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But the larger shock came when Lady Jersey casually mentioned how well she knew Matthew, as Mr.Hardy was a valuable client at Child and Company, the family’s bank.
Rose smiled before she sipped at her tea.She knew so little about Matthew, and Lady Jersey’s acquaintance with any man was cause for concern as her reputation was one of devil-may-care between a man and his wife.
All the visitors had one thing in common—they had all been invited to the Highwood Gala.Perhaps they were assessing the surroundings to confirm their presence at the gala would not taint them in any way.That this rushed affair would be worth their time.
Rose offered to show Lady Jersey the house and point out some of the fantastic things Rose had planned.She started in the back gardens, where laborers had already set up several private seating arrangements.All the dead rose petals had been trimmed from the bushes and used in scented potpourris; the platform for the outdoor orchestra was placed in the middle of the garden so all could hear; and a separate wooden platform dancing floor had been set up next to the orchestra.
“Now, if only it doesn’t rain,” said Lady Jersey.
“No worries.We have a large tent that will be set up, if the weather is threatening.We are doing the same on the front drive where Mr.Barker’s Edinburgh panorama will be setup.”
“A panorama?”Lady Jersey asked.
“Ah!I was so fortunate that Mr.Barker was in London and not at one of his famed exhibitions in Paris or Milan.”Rose was overly proud of this accomplishment but she made it sound like a stroke of luck.
“Indeed.”
They strolled back into the house and toward the large ballroom.“Please pardon the disorder, Lady Jersey.Chairs and tables have been arriving and we needed space for them.”
Four laborers were on ladders arranging the indoor panels that would be illuminated from behind.Once Rose had confirmed she could get one panorama and that it was limited to the Edinburgh panoramic scene, she decided that the entire gala would be Scottish themed.Even the overhead illuminations would display beautiful purple heather.Most of the festoons were in shades of purple, violet and blue.While Rose could appreciate the Scottish theme, she banned the use of any sort of plaid, as it would likely clash with every dress and decoration.
Lady Jersey nodded in silent approval, and she did not seem in a hurry to depart.Rose took this as a positive sign Lady Jersey would promote attendance for the gala.Gossip was a currency all its own.
They walked toward the kitchen, Rose describing the menu.In keeping with the Scottish theme, she and the cooks had decided there would be no haggis—they would serve Cullen skink soup, cranachan at the dessert table along with squares of sweet tablet.
Matthew had nodded when asked if he could arrange for as many different Scottish whiskys as he could lay his hands on.Rose was setting up a tasting room next to the library where there would be eight tables for cards and gambling.
“I think at least twenty bottles of each type.And we must have Laphroaig and Lagavulin.”
“Oh, we must, must we?”
“Of course.”
“I know we have Oban stored at the warehouse,” he said.
Rose crossed that off her list, knowing Matthew had written it in his little pocket notebook.The whisky was as good as in the house.
Yes, it was going to be a success.
Lady Jersey asked more questions.Rose knew that every word would get repeated a hundred-fold between now and the night of the ball.The gala!
“And during the early evening hours, we will have ices at different tables along the promenade and there will be fireworks at the end of the lane at midnight, right before the evening supper.Let me think,” Rose said, finger to chin.“I’m sure I have forgotten half of what I should tell you, but it’s no-never-mind.You will see it all the night of the gala.”
“My, how did you have time for all this, and attending the Crestview Ball the night before?”Lady Jersey asked, proving to Rose those rumors were rife in London.Impressing Lady Jersey now could only enhance the discussion.
“It wasn’t easy.Matthew is full of ideas, and this was his, but you know how London loves a lavish ball.That he left to me.”
“Your home is magnificent, Your Grace.George and I will be very excited for the evening to unfold.Please let Mr.Hardy know we are looking forward to this grand fete!”
Rose practically skipped back to the library.George Child Villers and Sarah Sophia Villers!At Mrs.Hardy’s gala!Raleigh bent over the desk, quill in hand.“Can I help you, Raleigh?Is there a problem?”
“Oh, Cook and I are worried about the silver and dinner service.”
“Well, we won’t need a full service,” she said, glancing at the working list.“Order more of the small plates, appetizer forks and demitasse spoons.”
“Yes, that should work.”Raleigh’s short hair was sticking up on end.Rose was feeling the stresses herself—wrinkles at her eyes from lack of sleep, two broken nails but they all need filing, and the tic of her left pinkie finger.
They discussed other issues when a footman arrived, holding a salver with a card placed in the middle.
